HB 1374 sets clear criteria to help judges distinguish legitimate from illegitimate patent assertions. It also gives businesses affected by patent trolling the option to seek restitution through the circuit court.

"Patent troll" broadly refers to people who sue companies, such as credit unions, for patent infringement on often questionable claims in attempt to collect licensing fees.

The issue, which is high on the league's list to watch, also was addressed by Bill Cheney, president/CEO, Credit Union National Association, in Wednesday's
Huffington Post.
(See related story: Cheney in
HuffPo
enlists backers in 'patent troll' fight.)

"It's important we explain to lawmakers the severity of the issue, and that the costs associated with patent trolling affect both the credit union and the consumers that the credit union serves," MCUA Senior Vice President of Advocacy Amy McLard told
News Now
last week. (See Feb. 3
News Now:MCUA addressing patent abuses, multiple issues in state session
.)